Hours before polling stations open across Israel for the elections to the 26th Knesset,
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a sharp statement Monday evening, unequivocally denying reports that he intends to oust IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir after the vote.
Netanyahu rejected the claims outright, making clear that he plans to maintain ongoing working relations with the military chief into the next term. “More fake news on panic channels 12 and 13 on the eve of the election: I do not intend to fire the Chief of Staff, and we will continue to work together for the security of Israel,” the prime minister wrote in his official statement.
Netanyahu used the opportunity to emphasize his primary security and diplomatic objectives for the incoming administration, declaring: “I do intend to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat permanently. I will do so together with my friend President Trump, and we will also sign peace agreements with additional countries.”
The prime minister’s statement followed reports aired earlier on Monday evening suggesting that profound strategic rifts had emerged between Netanyahu and Zamir concerning operational planning against Iranian targets, and alleging that the Chief of Staff would not remain in his position should Netanyahu assemble the next governing coalition. The Prime Minister’s Office swiftly dismissed the initial report, calling it “absolute fake news from start to finish.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also issued a stern rebuttal, branding the reports an “outright invention and complete lie” intended to damage Likud’s electoral prospects at the ballot box. Katz emphasized that he had personally recommended Zamir’s appointment as Chief of Staff, underscoring that the political echelon and military command continue to coordinate closely to safeguard Israel’s national defense.